India, US to strengthen non-proliferation

By IANS

New Delhi : Even as India and the US try to negotiate a civil nuclear agreement, the two countries Thursday wrapped up two-day talks on enhancing cooperation in strengthening global non-proliferation efforts and combating the emerging threat of nuclear terrorism.


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The US team led by Assistant Secretary of State for Intrernational Security and Non-Proliferation John C. Rood and the Indian team headed by K.C. Singh, additional secretary (international organisations) in the external affairs ministry, discussed an array of issues relating to multilateral initiatives and strategic trade controls and regional security matters.

The annual dialogue was an affirmation of India's impeccable non-proliferation credentials and comes at a time when New Delhi and Washington are in the final stages of finalising bilateral 123 civil nuclear cooperation pact that will lead to the resumption of nuclear commerce between the two countries.

Although this dialogue on non-proliferation is not linked to the 123 negotiations, it provides both sides an insight into each other's concerns in this crucial area.

Indian officials also brought up the dangers posed by clandestine operations similar to Pakistan's top nuclear scientist A.Q. Khan who is accused of selling nuclear technology to North Korea, Libya and Iran.

They also discussed steps to avert the possibility of nuclear weapons falling in the hands of terrorist outfits like the Al Qaeda.

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